This trek is done along the border between India and Nepal. In fact, one constantly moves in and out of Nepal during the trek. The mighty mountains, of course, know no boundaries. They stretch through Nepal, India, Bhutan and further. it’s the honour of viewing four of the tallest mountains in the world. The surreal view stays with you for a long time through the trek. Sandakphu, being the highest peak in West Bengal, at 3,636 m, A full circuit or round trip trek to Sandakphu takes a total of four to five days (depending on your ability). It can be undertaken by anyone who likes to walk. ·Updated about 6 months ago

ITINERARY :

Drive from NJP/Bagdogra to the basecamp – Jhaubari

A monastery passing Jaubari

Arrive at Bagdogra airport or NJP railway station in the morning (on your own). It will take approximately 5 hours to reach Jaubhari from the airport/railway station.Reporting time at Jaubhari is 5 pm, sharp. The trek starts at 8:30am the following morning.

Day 1: Manebhanjan to Tumling by Car, Tumling to kalapokhri overnight stay at Kalapokhri

Ode to Sandakphu

Our trek starts from here.The trail passes through Jaubari Village and comes to a crossing. Proceeding straight would take you to Nepal so there is an arrow marked Sandakphu.The trail then drops for about 30 mins to Gairibash, where there are Trekkers Huts and lodges. The trail then climbs a hill for about 2 hrs through the forest and then descends to kala pokhari (2,950m) which has a lake with black waters and hence the name. From Kala Pokhari, there is a further climb of a couple of hours and then a descent to Bikhey Bhanjan (3,350m).After Bikebhanjan the trail is windswept and, to the west, the hills of Nepal can be clearly seen shimmering in the sunlight. Finally, after about 1hrs of stiff walking, the huts of Sandakphu ( 3.636 mts) can be seen on the ridge above. Overnight stay

Day 2: Kalapokhri to Sandakphu

At Sandakphu

It is advisable to have a rest day at Sandakphu, to savour the views of the mountains. There is a 180-degree view of open skies with snow-clad peaks dominating the horizon. To the west, you see Lhotse (8,501m), Everest (8,848m), Makalu (8,475m), Chamlang (7,319m) Baruntse (7,129m) and other peaks of the Nepal Himalayas.

Day 3: Sandakphu to Phalut overnight stay at Phalut

Phalut Meadows

The trail initially climbs north, above the cluster of bungalows at Sandakphu and then heads north-eastwards. This is the most beautiful part of the trek as the walk is largely level with magnificent views towards Nepal as well as over Sikkim towards Kangchendzonga. During April and May, dwarf rhododendrons are in bloom as well as other Himalayan flora like primulas anemones and crocuses.

The silver-fir forest below the trail makes beautiful sights. Overhead one can spot birds like the lammergeier soaring over the peaks. After about 5 hrs of walking you come to Sabarkum (about 14 km from sandakphu). The trail begins to climb through a series of zigzags till one Phalut (3,600m) ,is the tri-junction of Sikkim, West Bengal and Nepal. The view is the same as that at Sandakphu, except that the Kangchendzonga Range looks close enough to touch. The Everest Group is alsoclearly visible to the west.

Day 4: Phalut to Gorkhey overnight stay at Gorkhey

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The trail from Phalut up to Gorkey is about 15kms and quickly descends through forests of bamboo, pine, chestnuts, hemlock etc. You will also find plenty of Rhododendrons and oaks. You can also take several shortcuts by crossing some water channels along the way. After a while you will see the Rammam river on your left which forms the border with Sikkim and then you will see below the amazing meadow of Samandeen which is popularly known as the second Switzerland. The 15kms stretch takes about 5 hours. The village Gorkhey is surrounded by pines. A mountain stream called Gorkey Khola flows in a picturesque setting. This stream is a tributary of the Rammam river.

Day 6:Gorkhey to Ribdi

Ribdi

It takes aprroximately 3 hours to reach Ribdi from where one can direct Cab to NJP or shared cabs to Jorethang

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Inclusions:

Accommodation during the trek (camping ie from Day 1 till Day 5)

Four times meals a day – (all meals during the trek and till the trek concludes)

Trekking permits and forest camping charges

Services of an expert trek leader

Services of an expert trek team (guides, cooks, helpers)

Exclusions:

Transport to and from the base camp (NJP/Bagdogra to Jaubari and return from Ribdi to NJP)

Thetrek fee includes all costs of the trek from the start of the trek at Jaubari to the end of the trek at Ribdi.

Backpack carrying: We expect all trekkers to carry their own backpacks If for some reason a trekker is unable to carry his or her backpack, he/she can offload the same by paying an additional charge. as per charged by the porter to be hired on spot.

Partial offloading is not allowed. Charges will vary for last minute on slope offloading. The backpack cannot weigh more than 9 kgs. No suitcases/strolleys/duffel bags will be allowed.

For any climatic changes or unavoidable circumstances a buffer daymay be provided. A minimal on spot fee would be collected from each of the trekkers.

The transport is arranged in shared cabs. Transport fromNJP/Bagdogra to Jaubari and return from Ribdi toNJP/bagdogra can be arranged by us at an extra cost .Participants are expected to share the cost likewise.. We only arrange the vehicle pick up and drop.Hence we are not responsible for any issues during transport.

Drop out during trek: If for any reason a participant has to drop out from the trek on any day then we will make arrangements for his/her return to the nearest road head. A staff will accompany the participant to the nearest road head.

Fitness: A high altitude trek in the Himalayas requires considerable fitness.

Non-liability: We arenot responsible for any loss/damage of your gears/equipment or other belongings on the trek.

Payment: Payment for the trek can be done online through credit/debit card or net banking. Cheque/draft or cash is not accepted. Payment can be done only after you have received an email confirming your position on the trek. An email containing an account number that allows you to make the payment online will be sent to you within 12 hours of your confirmation

**Drinking alchohol or any form of intoxication during the trek is strictly prohibited. If found flouting the rules, your participation on the trek will be cancelled with immediate effect

The cancellation charges are as under:

Cancellationbefore20daysto the start of the trek – 75 % refund

Cancellation between20days – 10days to the start of the trek —50%refund.

Cancellation between 10days – 3daysto the start of the trek – 25%refundCancellationless than 3 days to the start of the trek –– no refund.